Senate Republicans Secure 53-Seat Majority with Swearing-In of Husted and Moody

Jon Husted of Ohio and Ashley Moody of Florida fill vacancies left by Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Jon Husted, former Ohio lieutenant governor, and Ashley Moody, former Florida attorney general, were sworn into the Senate on Tuesday, solidifying a 53-seat Republican majority.
Husted replaces Vice President J.D. Vance, while Moody fills the seat vacated by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, following their respective resignations from the Senate.
The confirmations come as Senate Republicans prepare to advance President Donald Trump's Cabinet nominees, including controversial picks like Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense.
Husted and Moody have expressed strong support for Trump's 'America First' agenda, aligning themselves with the administration's legislative priorities.
The expanded Republican majority provides greater leverage for advancing Trump's agenda, particularly through budget reconciliation, which bypasses the 60-vote filibuster threshold.